Revere High alumni turn small idea into big help for after school program

REVERE-Camille Garro and fellow members of Revere High School?s Class of 1972 plan to make this reunion one to remember over all previous ones.The Newton resident and local friends have turned their reunion planning effort into a giant fund-raising campaign on behalf of the city?s after school program.They have raised $57,000 in their own money and contributions and hope to push the fund-raising total past $225,000 once they host their “combined gala reunion” on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., in the Lido Entertainment Complex in the Wonderland Ballroom.Garro said Lido principal Paul Franklin is donating use of the club and over 30 restaurants are setting up food stations to offer guests a range of the city?s diverse cuisine.?Not only will this be a fantastic time, but it will help fund a cause that is in dire need of assistance,” Garro said.Garro?s sister teaches at the Garfield School and her stories about undernourished and ill-clothed children in her classroom prompted Camille Garro to find a way to help local students.She decided to focus, along with other organizers, on supporting city efforts to enhance after school activities for kids. They formed an organizing committee a year ago about the time Garro talked to former teacher, now School Committeewoman Carol Tye, about the possibility of having the 35th reunion benefit local school children.?She said you couldn?t plan this at a better time,” Tye told her, noting that the Revere After School Program had just been formed. “Once we started meeting with other people the idea got bigger. We decided to open it to all Revere.”Garro expects over 1,000 people to attend the Oct. 20 event featuring music and comedy routines. Tickets are available by calling Garro at 508 951 5534.?Don?t wait until the last minute to buy tickets,” she said.